February 27, 1963 – May 30, 2023
BOWIE – Raymond Melton Mills, 60, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2023.
A celebration of life will be hosted by his children from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 11 in the Chapman Building at 116 W. Wise Street in Bowie. It will be a come-and-go memorial event. His children look forward to gathering with friends and family to remember their dad.
Raymond was born Feb. 27, 1963 in Wilbarger, TX to Oza Ray Mills and Mary Elizabeth Denney. He grew up in Archer City with his five siblings. In his senior year of high school (1982), his classmates voted him to be “Mr. School Spirit” and “Friendliest.” He also was a talented football player for the Archer City High School Wildcats. As a young man Raymond was the lead singer in a Christian rock band called “Seventy Times Seven,” named for Matthew 18:22. Music became a permanent passion in his life and he frequently sang to his friends and family.
From 1990-2020 he was married to Julie Bonham Mills and was blessed with one stepdaughter and five children. Raymond will be fondly remembered by his children as a fun, loving, charismatic and spontaneous father who loved family time. They especially remember watching movies on Friday nights.
He was a hard worker in whatever endeavor he undertook, and his entrepreneurial spirit resulted in many blessings for his family. In 1992 until his passing, Raymond was the president and owner of Mills Bit Service Inc., which was a longtime, successful business related to oil exploration. He was fondly known as “Red” to his customers and even developed his own drill bit line: Life Force PDC.
His children and grandchildren brought him endless joy and happiness. Raymond loved them fiercely and was a proud “Papa.” His favorite thing was taking selfies with them, which are photos they are grateful to have. In his most recent years, he enjoyed traveling the world for business and pleasure. He journeyed to Israel, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Mexico.
Raymond loved God and was devoted to his Messianic faith. His favorite book of the scriptures was Psalms. His generous spirit resulted in many acts of kindness and he often shared his faith with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Joel Ray Mills. This time of mourning has been extremely difficult for his family members, but they know he is rejoicing in the presence of his Heavenly Father and is comforted by being reunited with his son, Joel.
Raymond is survived by his children, Marlaina McKnight and husband Trey, Cassie Smith, Joshua Mills, Mary Beth Miller and husband Michael and Rebekah Mills; seven grandchildren, Bryson, Brylee, Branson, Laramie Sue, Clara, Adele and Olivia; siblings, David Mills, Tom Mills, Eddie Mills, Debbie Poore and husband Ray and Brenda Sentell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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